Race Across the World star Jo Gardiner has died aged 61 just one year after her son and co-star Sam was killed in a car crash.
The mother-and-son duo appeared together on the BBC travel competition’s second series in 2020, racing across South America from Mexico City to Ushuaia in Argentina.
Jo died following a ‘long and courageous battle with cancer’, her family said.
‘She lived fully, fiercely and never did anything by halves,’ her family said in a statement.
‘She was blessed with countless friends, drawn to her extraordinary magnetism. Somehow, each one felt as though they were among her very best.’
The family added: ‘To us, she was more than all of these things. She was our family, our joy, our safe place and our absolute treasure.
‘As we grieve, we ask for privacy, but we also ask everyone who knew and loved Jo to do exactly what she would have wanted: tell the funny stories, raise a glass, have an adventure, laugh loudly and live life to the full.
‘She was one of a kind. There will never be another her.’
Sam, who appeared alongside his mum on Race Across the World, died aged 24 after losing control of his car.
Jo had chosen to take part in the BBC show because she wanted to experience an adventure with Sam, who had ADHD.
The pair were among five teams competing in the series, which saw contestants travel thousands of miles without flying.
Following Jo’s death, her family described her as someone who ‘made everyone around her feel more alive’.
